A Houston-based airline pilot has been suspended after his cockpit microphone became stuck, allowing an obscenity-laced rant to be broadcast over hundreds of miles, Local 2 Investigates reported Tuesday.
Air traffic controllers in Houston first alerted Federal Aviation Administration supervisors on March 25, 2011, around 1:30 p.m. and those supervisors forwarded a tape of the episode to Southwest Airlines to take action against the pilot.
The Southwest Airlines pilot, who was not identified by the FAA or the airline, could be heard talking to his co-pilot in the cockpit, expressing frustration over the airline hiring so many flight attendants that he found to be unsuitable for dating.
“A continuous stream of gays and grannies and grandes,” the pilot said over the Houston Center air traffic control frequency, which covers hundreds of miles over Texas.
Pilots within certain altitude guidelines over that entire geographic area were unable to communicate with Houston Center air traffic controllers for the entire four-minute duration of his conversation since his headset microphone was stuck.
“Eleven (expletive) over-the-top (expletive) ass (expletive) homosexuals and a granny,” the pilot said as he complained to his co-pilot about the lack of flight attendants who caught his interest.
That article made me think of this Naked Gun scene in which someone just gave a speech and left his mic on.
LOVE the Naked Gun scene. Very embarrassed by the pilot's rant. I'm glad the controller sent the recording to the brass at SWA, but I wish he hadn't sent it to the media. As you know, we aren't all homophobic, sexist jerks.
With 35k+, you can't guarantee 100% will act as you would desire. But, I have to say, I'm 100% shocked he's still an employee. I've seen great folks get cut on a WHOLE LOT less. That is the part that offends me the most. How is he not replaceable?
Oops – I meant 35k+ employees
Thanks, David. I was starting to wonder if it was because of the union contracts, as well. And, I agree…I'm sure they are equally embarrassed to have this guy part of their ranks.